City Heights businesses accused of fencing phones, jewelry

Cell phones and hundreds of pieces of jewelry believed stolen and resold in City Heights were recovered in an investigation called Operation Pawn Stars, police said Thursday.

One of the businesses had a rear room with blow torches and other equipment, and several pieces of melted gold jewelry were found in the room, said San Diego police Capt. Lawrence McKinney.

Police said that a “significant” street-robbery series began last year in City Heights that involved mostly the loss of jewelry and cell phones.

In many cases, gold jewelry was ripped off the necks and wrists of victims, McKinney said.

Last month, detectives from the Police Department’s Mid City Division made a burglary arrest, which led to a business on University Avenue. During the investigation, detectives found other businesses in City Heights that were buying stolen property.

On Jan. 28, undercover officers went to Maria’s Jewelry and to two Professional Wireless stores and sold property that they said had been stolen, McKinney said.

On Wednesday, police initiated Operation Pawn Stars, serving search warrants at the three businesses and at the residence of the owner of Maria’s.

The owner of Maria’s, a man, and a female employee of the store were arrested. A man identified as the owner of the wireless stores also was arrested, McKinney said.

About $24,000 in cash was recovered from the businesses.

It is believed the stolen cell phones were purchased “for a couple of bucks,” then dismantled and sold for parts, McKinney said.

“The word on the street was that you could sell it locally” and quickly, McKinney said of the stolen items.